Removably attachable adjustable cutting apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A removably attachable adjustable cutting apparatus and method includes a cutting deck, a mounting plate, a main pivot point in the mounting plate and a main adjustable arm with a first end connected with the mounting plate at the main pivot point and with a second end connected with the cutting deck such that the cutting deck is adjustable from a horizontal to a vertical position and positions in between.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/679,706,filed on 11 Nov. 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,284,563, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/253,290, filed on 22Jan. 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,470,364, which claims the benefit ofProvisional Application No. 62/623,630 filed 30 Jan. 2018, thedisclosures of which are incorporated, in their entireties, by thisreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a removably attachable adjustable cuttingapparatus and method. In particular, in accordance with one embodiment,the invention relates to a removably attachable adjustable cuttingapparatus consisting of a cutting deck, a mounting plate, a main pivotpoint in the mounting plate and a main adjustable arm with a first endconnected with the mounting plate at the main pivot point and with asecond end connected with the cutting deck such that the cutting deck isadjustable from a horizontal to a vertical position and positions inbetween.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A problem exists with regard to the use of cutting devices. By way ofexample only and not by limitation, large cutting devices available inthe prior art are fixed devices in operation. That is, the cuttingdevices are not manipulable in any manner except for minor movements upand down. No known cutting devices include the ability to mechanicallyrotate the cutting device for cutting at an angle, for example only andnot by limitation. Further, known cutting devices generally arepermanently attached to a machine and are not capable of being removedfrom one machine and attached to another machine. Those few knowncutting devices that are removable are only attachable to one particularmachine.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a cutting device that is adjustablefor attachment to, and use with, a variety of other machines and that isadjustable up and down and that is mechanically rotatable for use fromhorizontal to vertical, and positions in between as well, as desired.

It therefore is an object of this invention to provide an improvedremovably attachable adjustable cutting device that is connectable witha variety of machines, that is adjustable both up and down and isrotatable such that cutting at an angle, from horizontal to vertical andpositions in between, is provided and that is easy to use and economicalin construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the a removably attachable adjustable cutting apparatus ofthe present invention, according to one embodiment, includes a cuttingdeck, a mounting plate, a main pivot point in the mounting plate and amain adjustable arm with a first end connected with the mounting plateat the main pivot point and with a second end connected with the cuttingdeck such that the cutting deck is adjustable from a horizontal to avertical position and to any position in between.

All terms used herein are given their common meaning as easilyunderstood with reference to the Figures described herein and thedescription that follows.

According to another aspect of the invention, the mounting plate furtherincludes machine attachment devices for connecting the mounting plate toa machine. In one aspect, the machine attachment devices are configuredso as to connect with machines that are selected from a group ofmachines attachment devices consisting of; SSQA machines and JOHN DEEREbrand machines.

In one aspect, the apparatus further includes a blade carrier in thecutting deck. In another aspect, the apparatus further includes at leastone cutting blade connected with the blade carrier.

In another aspect, the apparatus further includes rotation adjustmentholes at the main pivot point for use in combination with a locking pinto lock the cutting deck at a selected position.

According to another embodiment, the removably attachable adjustablecutting apparatus includes a cutting deck, a mounting plate where themounting plate further includes machine attachment devices forconnecting the mounting plate to a machine, and a main pivot point inthe mounting plate. A main adjustable arm is provided with a first endconnected with the mounting plate at the main pivot point and with asecond end connected with the cutting deck such that the cutting deck isadjustable from a horizontal to a vertical position and to positions inbetween.

Also, a blade carrier is provided in the cutting deck and at least onecutting blade is connected with the blade carrier.

In a further aspect, the machine attachment devices are configured so asto connect with machines that are selected from a group of machinesconsisting of: Skid Steer Quick Attach (SSQA) attachment devices andhook and pin attachment devices. As is known SSQA machines and JOHNDEERE brand machines, for example only and not by limitation, usedifferent devices for connection, as in the plates used in the SSQAsystem and the hook and pin system for others.

In one aspect, the apparatus further includes rotation adjustment holesat the main pivot point for use in combination with a locking pin tolock the cutting deck at a selected position.

In another aspect, the invention further includes an adjustment supportarm with a first end and a second end where the first end is connectablewith the main adjustable arm and the second end is connectable with thecutting deck such that the cutting deck is supported by the adjustmentsupport arm.

In one aspect, the invention further includes a main adjustment hingeconnected with the cutting deck where the second end of the mainadjustable arm is connected with the main adjustment hinge.

In yet another aspect, the invention further includes a pair of decksupports connected with the cutting deck where a first deck supportincludes an adjustment support arm connection and where the second decksupport includes a main adjustment hinge.

In still another aspect, the invention further includes a first lockbracket on the main adjustable arm and a second lock bracket on thecutting deck and a spaced apart pair of tower locks on the cutting deckwhere the first lock bracket and the second lock bracket are bothconfigured to fit within and connect with the pair of tower locks.

According to another embodiment, a removably attachable adjustablecutting apparatus more particularly includes a cutting deck where thecutting deck further includes a main adjustment hinge connected with thecutting deck. A mounting plate is provided where the mounting platefurther includes machine attachment devices for connecting the mountingplate to a machine. The mounting plate includes a main pivot point and amain adjustable arm with a first end is connected with the mountingplate at the main pivot point. The main adjustable arm has a second endthat is connected with the main adjustment hinge such that the cuttingdeck is adjustable from a horizontal to a vertical position and topositions in between. Further, an adjustment support arm is providedthat is connectable with the main adjustable arm and the cutting deck.Also, a blade carrier, connected with a motor, is located in the cuttingdeck and at least one cutting blade connected with the blade carrier.

In a further aspect, the machine attachment devices are configured so asto connect with machines that are selected from a group of machineattachment devices consisting of: Skid Steer Quick Attach (SSQA)attachment devices and hook and pin attachment devices.

In one aspect, the invention further includes rotation adjustment holesat the main pivot point for use in combination with a locking pin tolock the cutting deck at a selected position.

In another aspect, the invention further includes a pair of decksupports connected with the cutting deck where a first deck supportincludes an adjustment support connection and where the second decksupport includes the main adjustment hinge.

In yet another aspect, the invention further includes a first lockbracket on the main adjustable arm and a second lock bracket on thecutting deck and a spaced apart pair of tower locks on the cutting deckwhere the first lock bracket and the second lock bracket is configuredto fit within and connect with the pair of tower locks.

According to another embodiment, a removably attachable adjustablecutting method consists of:

a. providing a cutting deck; a mounting plate connected with the cuttingdeck; a main pivot point in said mounting plate; a main adjustable armwith a first end connectable with said mounting plate at said main pivotpoint and with a second end connected with said cutting deck such thatsaid cutting deck is adjustable from a horizontal to a vertical positionand positions in between; and

b. connecting the first end of the main adjustable arm with the mainpivot point.

In one aspect, the mounting plate further includes machine attachmentdevices for connecting the mounting plate to a machine and where themachine attachment devices are configured so as to connect with machinesthat are selected from a group of machine attachment devices consistingof: Skid Steer Quick Attach (SSQA) attachment devices and hook and pinattachment devices and further comprises the step of connecting themounting plate to a machine using one of the machine attachment devicesselected from the group.

In another aspect, the method further includes providing rotationadjustment holes at the main pivot point for use in combination with alocking pin to lock the cutting deck at a selected position.

In one aspect, the method further includes providing an adjustmentsupport arm with a first end and a second end where the first end isconnectable with the main adjustable arm and the second end isconnectable with the cutting deck such that when connected the cuttingdeck is supported by the adjustment support arm.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiment, the appended claims and the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the removably attachableadjustable cutting apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention of FIG. 1 showing thecutting deck extended horizontally to one side;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention of FIG. 1 with the cuttingdeck extended horizontally to one side and rotated to a verticalposition;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the invention of FIG. 1 with the cuttingdeck extended horizontally and to one side and partially rotated in onedirection;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the invention of FIG. 4 with the cuttingdeck partially rotated in an opposite direction;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the cutting deck of the invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the cutting deck of the invention ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the mounting plate of theinvention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the mounting plate of the invention of FIG. 1illustrating SSQA and hook and pin attachment devices;

FIG. 11 is a side view of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the main adjustable arm of theinvention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the invention of FIG. 1 including apush plate of one design;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a push plate of another design; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the push plate of FIG. 14 after contactwith material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and to the arrangements of the componentsset forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced andcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the invention be regarded as including equivalentconstructions to those described herein insofar as they do not departfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For example, the specific sequence of the described method may bealtered so that certain processes are conducted in parallel orindependent, with other processes, to the extent that the processes arenot dependent upon each other. Thus, the specific order of stepsdescribed herein is not to be considered implying a specific sequence ofsteps to perform the method. In alternative embodiments, one or moreprocess steps may be implemented by a user assisted process and/ormanually. Other alterations or modifications of the above processes arealso contemplated.

In addition, features illustrated or described as part of one embodimentcan be used on other embodiments to yield a still further embodiment.Additionally, certain features may be interchanged with similar devicesor features not mentioned yet which perform the same or similarfunctions. It is therefore intended that such modifications andvariations are included within the totality of the present invention.

It should also be noted that a plurality of hardware devices, as well asa plurality of different structural components, may be utilized toimplement the invention. Furthermore, and as described in subsequentparagraphs, the specific configurations illustrated in the drawings areintended to exemplify embodiments of the invention and that otheralternative configurations are possible.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by wayof example in FIGS. 1-15. With specific reference to FIG. 1, removablyattachable adjustable cutting apparatus 10 consists of a cutting deck12, a mounting plate 14, a main pivot point 16 in the mounting plate 14and a main adjustable arm 18 with a first end 20 connected with themounting plate 14 at the main pivot point 16 and with a second end 22connected with the cutting deck 12 such that the cutting deck 12 isadjustable from a horizontal position (See FIG. 1) to a verticalposition (See FIG. 3) and any position in between (See FIGS. 4 and 5).

In one aspect, the apparatus 10 further includes a blade carrier 24 inthe cutting deck 12. In another aspect, the apparatus further includesat least one cutting blade 26 connected with the blade carrier 24 (SeeFIG. 4). Blade carrier 24 is configured to support cutting blade(s) 26as the rotate below cutting deck 12. Further, as is known, blade carrier24 is configured to connect with a motor 28 for operation of cuttingblade(s) 26.

In another aspect, the apparatus 10 further includes rotation adjustmentholes 30 at, in close proximity to, the main pivot point 16 for use incombination with a locking pin (not shown) to lock the cutting deck 12at a selected position.

According to another aspect of the invention, the mounting plate 14further includes machine attachment devices 32 for connecting themounting plate 14 to a machine (not shown). In one aspect, the machineattachment devices 32 are configured so as to connect with machinesusing attachment devices that are selected from a group of machineattachment devices consisting of: Skid Steer Quick Attach (SSQA)attachment devices and hook and pin attachment devices. Machineattachment devices 32 are described more fully and illustrated in theaccompanying FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIGS. 2-5 illustrate the range of motion of the invention including sideto side and horizontal (FIG. 2); side to side and vertical (FIG. 3)extended away from mounting plate 14 horizontally and rotated (FIGS. 3,4 and 5).

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, adjustment support arm 34 with a firstend 36 and a second end 38 is illustrated where the first end 36 isconnectable with the main adjustable arm 18 and the second end 38 isconnectable with the cutting deck 12 such that the cutting deck 12 issupported by the adjustment support arm 34. Applicant has found thatadjustment support arm 34 provides increased stability and enhancedoperability of cutting deck 12 when in a none horizontal position asshown in the figures.

By way of continued description, referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, FIG. 6shows the combination of cutting deck 12 connected at main pivot point16 in mounting plate 14 by means of the connection of the first end 20of main adjustable arm 18 at main pivot point 16. In operation, anyconnection that allows main adjustable arm 18 to rotate around mainpivot point 16 is suitable, as are known in the art and not describedmore fully. Connection of second end 22 of main adjustable arm 18 tocutting deck 12 ensures that movement of the main adjustable arm 18results in movement of cutting deck 12 from any position desired betweenhorizontal and vertical and positions in between as shown. Importantly,this motion is enhanced by the use of a main adjustment hinge 40connected with the cutting deck 12 where the second end 22 of the mainadjustable arm 18 is connected with the main adjustment hinge 40 suchthat the second end 22 connection rotates within the main adjustmenthinge 40 for precise movement and positioning of cutting deck 12.

Still referring to FIG. 6, in yet another aspect, the invention 10further includes a pair of deck supports connected with the cutting deck12 where a first deck support 42 includes an adjustment support armconnection 44 and where the second deck support 46 includes the mainadjustment hinge 40. One deck support 42 is located on one side of bladecarrier 24 and one deck support 44 is located on the other side of bladecarrier 24 as shown.

In still another aspect, referring to FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, the invention10 further includes a first lock bracket 48 on the main adjustable arm18 and a second lock bracket 50 on the mounting plate 14 and a spacedapart pair of tower locks 52 on the cutting deck 12 where the first lockbracket 48 and the second lock bracket 50 are both configured to fitwithin and connect with the pair of tower locks 52. In this manner,cutting deck 12 is capable of being secured in the horizontal positionwithout fear of rotation or movement.

FIG. 7 illustrates the bottom of cutting deck 12 including a pair ofcutting blades 26 attached to blade carrier 24 which in turn isconnected with motor 28 (not shown). Motor 28 may be an independentmotor attached directly to cutting deck 12 or operated by pulleyattachments with a motor on a machine or elsewhere (not shown) as isknown in the art.

FIG. 8, for clarity, shows the elements of the top of the cutting deck12 without the main adjustable arm 18.

FIG. 9 shows, for clarity the elements of mounting plate 14 without themain adjustable arm 18. Also, FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show two forms ofmachine attachment devices 32. One form is a Skid Steer Quick Attach(SSQA) attachment device 54 (more clearly shown in FIGS. 10 and 11) andone form is a hook 56 and pin 58 attachment device. The SSQA attachmentdevice 54 is known in the art and as illustrated included extendedplates that connect on machines adapted therefor. Attaching SSQA deviceto the back of mounting plate 14 or attaching hook 56 and pin 58combinations to the back of mounting plate 14 is all that is requiredfor enabling the present invention to be easily attached to and removedfrom any and all types of machines. Certainly, any type of connectiondevices now known or hereafter developed that serve the same functionare included within the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 12, main adjustable arm 18 is the main connectionbetween mounting plate 14 and the cutting deck 12. This connection ismade by attaching the main adjustable arm 18 to the mounting plate 14 atthe main pivot point 16 (not shown in this figure) and attaching thecutting deck 12 to the main adjustable arm 18, preferably by means ofmain adjustment hinge 40 as described and shown herein. This allows thecutting deck 12 to move 180 degrees from directly in front of a tractoror other machine (not shown) to the vertical and offset positions asdesired all while remaining attached to the mounting plate 14 attachedto a machine. Once in any desired location, the main adjustable arm 18is supported by the adjustment support arm 34 (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 5) soas to stabilize the apparatus.

Preferably, main adjustable arm 18 includes a hinge connection 60 thatconnects with main adjustment hinge 40. This allows the cutting deck 12to move 180 degrees around the main adjustable arm 18 from thehorizontal “home position” to the vertical position.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, Applicant has found that a preferredembodiment of the invention includes a “push plate” 62. Push plate 62 asshown in the figures, is attached to the front of cutting deck 12 andserves, when present as the main point of contact for all material priorto the material being impacted by the cutting blades 26. Push plate 62acts as a guard for the exposed blades 26 when the blades 26 extend pastthe front of cutting deck 12 and as a guide to compress material formore consistent cutting prior to contact with the cutting blades 26.

Referring specifically to FIG. 13, here push plate 62 is connected tocutting deck 12 by means of a pair of guide cylinders 64 which areconnected to cutting deck 12. Guide cylinders 64 are connected with pushplate 62 by means of guide pins 66 within a pair of load springs 68,where the guide pins 66 are connected with push plate 62 on one end andenter into guide cylinders 64 as load springs 68 are compressed and pushplate 62 moves inward over the top of cutting deck 12 (the positionindicated by dotted lines) by impacting material (not shown forclarity). Load springs 68 expand in the absence of contact with materialand allow push plate 62 to return to an extended position as shown inFIG. 14.

Preferably, this aspect of the invention push plate 62 further includesa rear safety guard 70 positioned to contact rear brace 72 attached tothe top of cutting deck 12. Rearward movement of push plate 62 isprevented from further rearward motion by contact of rear safety guard70 with rear brace 72 thus preventing push plate 62 from contactingmotor 28 (not shown in this figure for clarity), for example.

Further, push plate 62 preferably includes guide slots 74 that fit overfirst deck support 42 and second deck support 44 to help keep push plate62 aligned properly.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, another embodiment of push plate 62 isillustrated acting as before as a guard for the exposed cutting blades26. FIG. 15 shows push plate 62 in extended position and FIG. 16 showspush plate 62 in a collapsed position after contact with material to becut (not shown). Once the material is cut, push plate 62 returns, viasprings not shown, or the like.

In this embodiment, push plate 62 includes a pair of bolts 76 thatconnects the two separate halves of the push plate, right half 78 andleft half 80, in movable relation with cutting deck 12. Bolts 76 allowright half 78 and left half 80 to pivot toward cutting deck 12 whencontact with material to be cut is made. Preferably a safety guard 82overlaps the space between the right half 78 and left half 80 as shownin FIG. 15. Also shown are guide pins 84 connected with the top ofcutting deck 12 and fitted within guide slots 86, in this version. Theguide pin 84 guide slot 86 combination stabilize both right half 78 andleft half 80 while sliding on the top of cutting deck 12.

The description of the present embodiments of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration, but is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art. As such, while the present invention has been disclosed inconnection with an embodiment thereof, it should be understood thatother embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cutting apparatus comprising: a mounting platehaving a forward-facing surface; a cutting deck; a motor operablycoupled to the cutting deck; a blade operably coupled to the motor; asupport structure having a first end coupled to the forward-facingsurface of the mounting plate and a second end pivotally coupled to thecutting deck; a support arm interconnecting the support structure andthe cutting deck, the support structure and the support arm beingconfigured to enable positioning of the cutting deck in a horizontalposition, a vertical position, and at least one other position; and amechanical locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the cuttingdeck in each of the horizontal position, the vertical position, and theat least one other position, wherein the mechanical locking mechanismincludes: a set of receiving structures including a first receivingstructure associated with the horizontal position, a second receivingstructure associated with the vertical position and a third receivingstructure associated with the at least one other position; and at leastone pin configured to be selectively inserted into and removed from atleast one receiving structure of the set of receiving structures.
 2. Thecutting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cutting deck rotates about anaxis that is substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by theforward-facing surface of the mounting plate.
 3. The cutting apparatusof claim 1, wherein: the forward-facing surface of the mounting platecomprises a lateral edge defining a plane; and when in the horizontalposition, the cutting deck is substantially positioned on a first sideof the plane and the mounting plate is positioned on a second side ofthe plane.
 4. The cutting apparatus of claim 1, wherein theforward-facing surface of the mounting plate comprises a periphery, thecutting deck being positioned laterally beyond the periphery whenpositioned in at least one of the horizontal position, the verticalposition, or the at least one other position.
 5. A method forrepositioning a cutting apparatus, the method comprising: providing acutting apparatus having a mounting plate, a support structure, and acutting deck; removing a locking pin from a first receiving structure ofa mechanical locking mechanism, the first receiving structure beingassociated with a first position where the cutting deck is horizontal;repositioning the cutting deck from the first position to a secondposition where the cutting deck is vertical; and inserting the lockingpin into a second receiving structure, the second receiving structurebeing associated with the second position of the cutting deck.
 6. Themethod according to claim 5, further comprising: removing the lockingpin from the second receiving structure; repositioning the cutting deckfrom the second position to a third position; and inserting the lockingpin into a third receiving structure, the third receiving structurebeing associated with the third position of the cutting deck.
 7. Themethod according to claim 5, wherein repositioning the cutting deck fromthe first position to the second position includes rotating the cuttingdeck less than 90 degrees.
 8. The cutting apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe set of receiving structures is located on at least one of themounting plate.